What lesson can we learn from nature

What lessons can we learn from Nature?

My Guru - Swami Sivananda (Rishikesh, India) - often advises us, "Learn the lessons from Nature". Even the silence in Nature, small sounds made by birds or animals - if we tune ourselves - can be quite inspiring. It occurred to me today to take a collective feedback from Research-Gate friends, and as a by-process, we may all get benefited.

10. There are some things we can’t control

"We must accept life as it comes and not worry about the things we cannot control or change. Nature best exemplifies this. During heavy torrential rains or a cyclone, everything is shattered. But later, nature restores itself as though nothing happened!"

9. To be flexible- survival of the fittest!

"The phrase ‘survival of the fittest’ was coined during Darwin’s famous study of evolution. During those days, many genetic mutations took place and eventually, only the species that were fit, survived! Nature teaches us to be flexible and to be fit. It teaches to be adaptable. A very important lesson, if you want to succeed in life. We will not be on a smooth terrain all the time! We must learn to swim in any water, known or unknown, shallow or deep! Thousands of species succeed in surviving in extreme as well as in favourable conditions. They teach us not to give up, under any given circumstance."

8. Even small things are important!

"The ecological cycle is truly amazing! All the species depend on one another. There is not a single species which is futile or insignificant. Each of them forms an integral part of the ecology, however miniscule! They are all interdependent, forming a closely linked chain. The survival of one is dependent on another and hence, everything needs to be in place.

This is true of human life as well! We are all interdependent on each other. No one is inferior or of no worth. All of us live in a close network. Also, the tiny things in life are equally important, just as the big ones. Attention to detail is an important aspect."

7. To be self-offering and uninhibited

"We see trees in full bloom and trees offering fruits. What does it imply? Have you thought of it? Are they not offering us with what they have, that too, voluntarily? Nature is a very selfless, benevolent giver. Nature is very generous and abundant. There is absolutely no dearth of anything. What we can learn from this is, giving and offering are great qualities! We can always offer to help someone. It spreads happiness and warmth.

Nature is generally uninhibited. Whatever it is, it’s always in its best form, unless it is tampered with. It does not shy away. The bold colours speak for themselves, don’t they? Similarly, we ought to be bold and uninhibited, for it brings out the best in us!"

6. Versatility

"Nature is very versatile. It has so many facets to it. Just look all around you. You will see a bewildering mix of things! Countless number of species form the rich biodiversity. From Siberia to the Thar Desert, from the Amazon rainforests to the grasslands of Australia, there’s so much of variety!

Our lives are a mix of many things too. We play so many roles in our lives: a student, a parent, a child, a friend etc. We have to manage each relationship well. The journey of life has so many twists and turns, all of which make it one big, beautiful thing."

5. To keep growing

"From the time the seed is sown, it does not stop growing till it reaches its zenith! It reaches out to the sky, with its spirit soaring. Nothing deters it. It grows everyday, little by little, steadily. Nature achieves everything she wants, at her pace. This is how we should approach our aims in life. With steadiness and poise. And we should never stop growing! Positive growth should always be there. Nothing should hamper our motivation to grow and develop."

4. Beauty in simplicity

"It is rightly said that simplicity is beauty. There is an inexplicable aura about subtlety, grace and poise. Nature is the best example for this. God’s creation is such, it speaks volumes, even though it is not extravagant! It is not gaudy. It is just as it should be. We ought to be simple and modest too. Arrogance and pomp and show will not fetch us anything. We should be rooted and down to earth! Pun intended here!"

3. Peace and harmony

"Every tiny part of nature harmoniously co-exists with every other part. There is unity in harmony. It is magical, like music! Nature taught us music. We need harmony in our lives too. The frequency has got to be rhythmic and harmonious, to take proper shape.

Peace! There is peace all around, in nature. In the stillness of the lakes, atop the lofty mountains and deep within the sea. There is great power in peace and inner calm. Peace is wanted, on our part. Haste and violence is futile!"

2. To spring back from sorrow

"The quote by Percy B Shelley, “If spring comes, can winter be far behind?” is legendary! It has so much truth in it. It very closely relates nature and human life and brings out the close lines of parallelism. After sorrow comes happiness. Everything is a rhythmic cycle. Nothing stays forever. It will all pass. What goes around, eventually comes around. After autumn comes spring, and this oscillates back and forth. Life follows a pattern too. Momentary sorrow and regret should not bog us down. Good things will happen, in due course of time."

1. Love- the language of nature

"Love is the most powerful force! It is a magical feeling and it feels like heaven! Without love, everything is a waste. Love, warmth and compassion make life what it is, beautiful! It is responsible for bringing people together and the bonding that lasts a lifetime. Love is the language of nature. How the species love their offspring, how the chrysanthemum looks romantic, the rains, the swans in the lake etc., all show that love is universal and Omni present. It transcends all barriers. Love is a very important part of life. It gives meaning to life. Without love, life is not life!"